How to Use a Dry Body Brush for Smoother, Glowing Skin

Quick answer

Use a dry body brush on dry skin before you shower, working from your feet upward toward your heart with light, upward strokes. Spend about three to five minutes, then shower to rinse away loosened flakes and apply a hydrating body product. Start two to three times a week and adjust based on how your skin feels.

Choose the right brush and keep it clean

A dry body brush should feel firm enough to stimulate but soft enough to avoid scratching. Look for natural bristles (like boar or plant fibers) and a handle that lets you reach your back without straining. If you have sensitive skin, start with a softer brush or a brush with a long handle for gentler pressure.

Clean your brush every one to two weeks to prevent bacteria buildup. Mix a little mild soap with warm water, swirl the bristles, rinse well, and dry bristle-side down in a well-ventilated spot. Replace the brush every six to twelve months, or sooner if bristles become stiff or matted.

Dry brushing technique for beginners

The key is light pressure and upward strokes. Begin at your feet and ankles, brushing in small circles or short upward sweeps toward your knees. Continue up your legs, then move to your hands and arms, always brushing toward your heart. On your torso, use gentle circular motions over your abdomen and upward strokes on your back. Avoid brushing over broken skin, rashes, or varicose veins.

Keep the brush moving; don’t scrub back and forth in one spot. Each area needs only a few passes. The whole routine should take three to five minutes. If your skin turns red and stays irritated, you’re pressing too hard.

Dry brush before shower: timing and aftercare

Dry brushing works best on completely dry skin, so do it before you shower or bathe. After brushing, step into a lukewarm shower to rinse away dead skin cells. Pat your skin dry with a soft towel, then apply a hydrating body lotion or oil within three minutes to lock in moisture. This is especially important if you have dry or mature skin.

If you prefer an evening routine, dry brushing can be a calming ritual. Follow with a warm shower and a rich moisturizer. Some people find that dry brushing before bed helps them relax, but avoid it if it feels stimulating right before sleep.

How often to dry brush and who should skip it

Start with two to three sessions per week and increase gradually if your skin tolerates it well. Daily brushing is too much for most people and can lead to irritation or microtears. If you have eczema, psoriasis, or very sensitive skin, consult a dermatologist before trying dry brushing. Avoid it on sunburned or freshly shaved skin.

Dry brushing is not a medically proven treatment for cellulite, but some people find it temporarily improves the appearance of dimpled skin by boosting circulation and exfoliating. It is not a substitute for a healthy diet or exercise.

Your 6-step dry brushing routine

1. Start dry and naked: Begin on completely dry skin before showering. Stand on a towel to catch flakes. Common mistake: brushing damp skin, which drags and irritates. Checkpoint: skin should feel dry to the touch.
2. Brush from feet upward: Use light, upward strokes from your feet to your knees, then thighs, always moving toward your heart. Common mistake: pressing too hard or brushing downward. Checkpoint: strokes should feel stimulating, not painful.
3. Move to hands and arms: Brush from your hands up to your shoulders, then gently across your back if you can reach. Use circular motions on your abdomen. Common mistake: skipping the backs of arms or using a back-and-forth scrub. Checkpoint: each area gets 3–5 passes, no more.
4. Keep it brief: Limit the whole session to 3–5 minutes. Common mistake: brushing for 10+ minutes, which can cause redness and sensitivity. Checkpoint: set a timer if you tend to overdo it.
5. Shower and pat dry: Rinse off in a lukewarm shower, then pat skin dry with a clean towel. Common mistake: using hot water, which strips moisture. Checkpoint: water should feel comfortably warm, not hot.
6. Moisturize within 3 minutes: Apply a hydrating body lotion or oil while skin is still slightly damp. Common mistake: waiting until skin is fully dry, which reduces absorption. Checkpoint: skin should feel soft, not tight.

Products that pair well with dry brushing

• LA LA LAGOON TRAVEL: A travel sized cool lagoon blue gel that transforms into a rich creamy lather. After dry brushing, this gel cleanses without stripping, and the travel size is handy if you dry brush at the gym or on trips.
• MY KINDA SKIN HYDRATE: The perfect hydrating trio to cleanse, tone and moisturise your dry, thirsty skin leaving it feeling plump and soft. Dry brushing can leave skin thirsty, so this trio helps restore moisture and comfort immediately after your shower.
• BEAUTY SLEEP COLLECTION: Receive a FREE cleanser worth £23 when you purchase REPOSE night cream, WINDOWS OF THE SOUL eye treatment gel cream plus a toner of your choice with this beauty sleep skincare collection. If you dry brush in the evening, this collection supports a calming bedtime routine that complements smoother, glowing skin.